Following the recent security challenges in the country, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put the nation’s security apparatuses on the highest alert ever.
Idris, while briefing journalists in Abuja, also said the President has deployed the security agencies to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria.
Idris stated that in light of the current security situation in the country and growing concerns among citizens and the international community, he was addressing the media to provide updates on the efforts of the Federal Government to win the battle against terrorism.
“I want to start by first extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earnest sympathies to Nigerians affected by the acts of violence perpetrated by the enemies of the Nigerian nation – mainly terrorists, bandits and other sundry criminal elements.
“The recent tragic killing of a high-ranking army general, the abduction of students in Kebbi State and the attack on a church in Kwara State, amongst others, are a stark and painful reminder of the threat we face. These heinous attacks on those dedicated to our protection, on the future of our youth and on our places of worship only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to rise above the challenges and deal a permanent blow to terrorism.
“As you are all aware, President Tinubu has postponed his international engagements, particularly the G20 Meeting in South Africa, to allow him to focus on the developments within Nigeria.
“The President has also directed the military and the police to deploy more men in Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Similarly, the Vice-President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, at the behest of the President, is at present in Birnin Kebbi to meet with the Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Alhaji Nasir Idris; security chiefs; traditional rulers; and families of the abducted schoolgirls. The VP’s entourage includes the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; the Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.
“Let it be known that President Tinubu has put our nation’s security apparatuses on the highest alert ever and has deployed them to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria. Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and reunite them with their families,” Idris said.
The minister further said that against the backdrop of threats to national unity and geographical integrity, the Federal Government noted with growing concern the divisive and narrow rhetoric seeking to frame the nation’s security challenges in sectarian terms.
He also said the government categorically refuted any characterisation of the situation along religious lines.
Idris added that such claims were not only factually inaccurate but also dangerously counterproductive to the national unity required to overcome our shared challenges.
“Nigeria’s security landscape is a complex combination of terrorism, banditry and criminality that has claimed the lives and livelihoods of citizens across all ethnic and religious backgrounds. These forces of evil do not discriminate by faith; they target the very fabric of our nation. Indeed, framing Nigeria’s security challenges in religious terms is counterproductive to national unity, especially at a time when we need to stand together to defeat extraneous forces that are bent on destabilising our country. The international community, including respected global religious leaders, acknowledges the complex socio-economic and political roots of the conflicts rather than a simplistic sectarian narrative.
“The position of the Federal Government of Nigeria remains unequivocal: Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where the freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed and must be upheld by everyone.
“At this critical time, it is imperative for all Nigerians to stand as one. We must reject misinformation and division and recognise that our common enemies are terrorists, bandits and criminals seeking to destabilise our nation.
“The Federal Government is deploying all available resources and strategies to decisively win this battle for the nation’s security and future. We remain optimistic that the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls will be rescued and safely returned to their families,” Idris stated.
